THE COURIER 02-15-16

The Vol. 11 Edition 23 Free Thursday February 18, 2016

Let’s Grow (Steam)x

Courier www.couriernews.org

The Voice Of The Community

S ERVING C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING , P HENIX C ITY & S URROUNDING A REAS

Davis Broadcasting, Inc.’s

14th Annual Women’s Empowerment Luncheon Presents

Vivica A. Fox

Young Professionals Leading The Charge To Help Children Explore Page 7 Their Potential “Courier Conversations”

District 4 Candidates Marquese Averett and Incumbent Evelyn Turner Pugh Page 12

R&B’s Tyrese & Tank Coming To Columbus

SuperShop Entertainment Continues To Bring The Best To The Tri-City

Page 18

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THURSDAY February 18, 2016

And You Expect Us To Vote For YOU! According to the street committee it has been alleged that a candidate running for a city wide position is fired up and ready to go! Only one problem, the campaign signs the candidate had made up has the wrong voting date on them.

A source close to the situation said the candidate was eager to share and distribute the signs at a recent democratic committee meeting, however, members in attendence brought it to the candidate’s attention that the election is scheduled for May 24, 2016 and not the July date printed on the campaign signs. All the street committee can say is; and you are expecting us to vote for whom? You’ve got to be kidding, right?

It Pays To Get A Second Opinion According to the street committee Katonga Wright, an attorney with the Wright Legal Group LLC has been hired by the family of Marquis Brown, the man fatally wounded Jan. 31 during an Outlaws Saloon brawl.

Because the preliminary findings were in conflict with statements by a police detective attending the initial autopsy, the family requested a second autopsy be conducted. Wright said an experienced forensic pathologist conducted a The Courier Eco Latino

Newspaper is published bi-weekly *Any editorial content are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper, publisher or staff” Office Location The Courier Eco Latino Newspaper 416 12th Street Suite 201 Columbus, Georgia 31901 Email: thecourier@wowway.com Phone: 706.225.0106 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5747 Columbus, Ga 31906 Visit Us Online At: www.couriernews.org

The Street Committee

"more thorough analysis" than the pathologist who examined the first autopsy. That second physician determined that the findings in the second autopsy differed from those police presented in the initial report, she stated. "There were just some steps that had not been taken as far as looking at the evidence," Wright said. She said the findings from the second report were more consistent with the account that Brown was struck with a flashlight.

"It appears that the results of the second autopsy are more consistent with blunt-force trauma of that nature versus just a fall on a flat surface," she said. "We know that if he did fall, it was definately not a flat-surface fall." Stay tuned to the street committee. There is definately more to this story than we are being told.

Request for Bids/Proposals RFB No. 16-0026 Low Floor ADA Minivan Due: March 2, 2016 – 2:30 PM Sandra Chandler, Buyer

Sealed responses must be received and time/date stamped by the due date shown above, by the Finance Department/Purchasing Division of Columbus Consolidated Government, 100 Tenth Street, Columbus, GA 31901. To obtain specifications, visit the City's website at www.columbusga.org, notify the Buyer via email schandler@columbusga.org, fax 706.653.4109 or telephone 706.653.4105.

Andrea J. McCorvey, CPPB Purchasing Division Manager

A VIEW FROM A PEW

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2016

Code Words At “The Huddle House” grocery store and you overhear people talking about you in the next aisle? In both cases, you’re located in your own space so it's not like you’re trying to eavesdrop on the conversation.

of African-Americans and Caucasians in the Muscogee County school system.

Are you supposed to say something to these people to make them aware that you can hear them talking about you? How exactly do you bring it up and when?

As she passed it around to others at the table it was apparent they shared her sentiments as they offered comments such as; “this is totally uncalled for” and “ I wonder where they got these numbers from, they must have made them up.” One of the females asked, “Why are they always trying to stir things up all the time.”

Is there an etiquette you're supposed to follow in these situations?

Should you just mind your own business and keep your mouth shut or confront the individuals immediately with a karate chop to the throat?

Contrary to what many may think I do believe that this world is a much better place than it used to be. That all white folks ain’t bad and all Black folks ain’t good. However, when someone tries to tell me that racism in this country or in this city is no longer an issue then I have to wonder under what rock have they been living and what have they been smoking or snorting while there?

Whenever this occurs, as it did

a few days ago, I am reminded of an incident that occurred not too long ago.

What are you supposed to do if you can hear a private conversation between two or three people and the conversation is about you?

For example, what if you are at work, in an open office setting with cubicle,s and your coworkers are unaware that you are there. Or if you are in the

I was faced with this situation a while ago while dining at the Huddle House on Victory Drive.

Halfway through my Original Big House Platter and my wife’s Meat Lover’s Scramble, a Caucasian group of four entered the restaurant and sat at the table directly behind us, my back to them.

One of the females in the group went outside to smoke a cigarette. While there she picked up a copy of the recent issue of the Courier Eco Latino newspaper from the free newspaper stand outside of the facility and began reading it.

Immediately, upon her return to the table, she began to talk disparagingly about the paper, in particular the cover story, which discussed the disparity

“They fooled me, she said, look at this stupid, ignorant paper.

I thought I was getting something else. Where do they get off writing stuff like this? The only thing this is good for is some toilet paper. They don’t even have all of the schools listed.”

Then it got real personal. “Look at this idiot with a, View From A Pew”, she said.

As I sat contemplating “What Would Jesus Do? I couldn’t help but wish that some of those delusional Caucasians as well as African-Americans I have met who are convinced there are no racial problems in Columbus were sitting in the booth with me at the time.

There is no doubt there will be those who read this column and insist that I’m reading more into this than is really there, that I am just, “playing the race card”. That offends me because, in the words of Denzel Washington in the movie “Philadelphia”; “I don’t scratch unless I itch and I don’t dance unless I hear music.” After 60 years on this good earth I have a pretty good feel for what is racist and what is not.

With a restaurant full of AfricanAmericans, the group, as much

3

as I could tell they wanted to, had enough sense not to use the “N” word. Instead, as most Caucasians have accepted the need to be politically correct in mixed company as opposed to being on the receiving end of a beat down, they used that all to familiar “code word”.

Take my word for it, if you’re a group of Caucasians reading a Black newspaper and you ask questions like; where do “they” get off writing stuff like this? And “Why are “they” always trying to stir things up all the time.”

You need to know, that we know that the “they” you are referring to is a code word for “us”.

As I said earlier I spent a moment contemplating what would Jesus do? My wife, who has a good heart and beautiful spirit, wanted me to tell them as we were leaving, “thanks for reading the paper”, and “have a nice day. I wasn’t really feeling it so I chose a different response. As we stood at the cash register to pay our bill, the waitress we shared passed by. I told her I wanted to pay the bill of the group that sat directly behind me. When she asked what I wanted her to say when they asked who paid for it and why, I said point to the picture of me in the paper and tell them, “The idiot here with A View From A Pew said have a nice day!

Yeah, I know that’s not what Jesus would do but what Wane did sure felt good!

Ironically, when I think about it me and Jesus had the last laugh anyway. They probably had no idea that The Huddle House they were patronizing is owned by an African American.

Wane A. Hailes

Page 4

By Armstrong Williams NNPA News Wire Columnist

Opinion/Editorial

The Water Crisis In Flint Is A Man-Made Dissater

Something is definitely rotten in the state of Michigan. And it’s not just the lead-poisoned water coming from the corroded pipes undergirding Flint’s public water system. The rottenness goes to the very core of an attitude of managerial expediency unfettered by moral leadership.

Read the full commentary on our website at: www.couriernews.org

By James Clingman NNPA News Wire Columnist

Blackonomics: Raising Money or Just Raising Cain?

Bernie Sanders raised $20 million with the average donation being just $27.00. What is wrong with Black folks? For decades conscious Black leaders have cajoled, encouraged, admonished, and begged us to raise money among ourselves, a small amount from a lot of people, you know, the way Marcus Garvey did, which we love to brag about but never emulate. What we have done instead is raise a lot of Cain about our collective economic predicament.

Read the full commentary on our website at: www.couriernews.org

By Harry C.Alford NNPA News Wire Columnist

Beyond the Rhetoric: Filthy Rich and Dangerous – Part 1

My early days of being an activist seem so simple now. A hot head reporter or radio personality would challenge my actions and I would simply shut him/her down with my quips and verbal jockeying. An IRS series of audits, police interrogations, being pulled over by the state police, for no reason, were some of those tactics back then in Indiana.

A strange car following our sons home from school was about the lowest tactic. Our opponents, politicians and local business owners found that we were afraid of nothing. We took a vow of near poverty. That meant we had nothing serious to lose and they had nothing to leverage us into submission or contrition.

Read the full commentary on our website at: www.couriernews.org

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist

In It To Win It - My Head Says Hilary, My Heart Says Bernie

I am looking forward to November 8, 2016, and to voting for Hilary Rodham Clinton to lead these United States. I am so extremely excited that a woman of character, experience, and discernment can lead our nation. Even as I look forward to the November vote, I am fully enjoying the path to November. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has provided tone and texture to this race. He has forced Senator Clinton to hone her positions on health care, Wall Street and income inequality. He came so amazingly close to toppling her in Iowa that it gave me Post Dramatic Stress Syndrome. She didn’t make my drama hers, though. She has managed, with stoic dignity, to stake her claim for this presidency.

My head is with Secretary Hilary Clinton, but my heart is with Senator Bernie Sanders. I realize that he has promised everything and hasn’t shared how he might pay for much of it — free tuition, universal health care, or Wall Street reform. Still, his energetic bluster has been a galvanizing factor in a race that might otherwise have been seen as a cakewalk or a coronation. Hilary needs to be pushed as hard as Senator Sanders can push her. And even though Sanders says he does not care about her “damn e-mails,” the e-mail converRead the full commentary on our website at: www.couriernews.org

February 18, 2016

By Jeffrey L. Boney Special to the NNPA News Wire Black Love and Unity

If ever there was a time we needed to turn back the hands of time and return to a place where there was a strong sense of Black love and Black unity – that time is now.

I remember growing up and listening to songs like “Say it Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud,” by the phenomenally talented and extremely gifted James Brown.

I also watched the movie, “Get on Up,” which chronicled the life and career of James Brown. In the movie, the part of the movie where he introduced the song to America stood out to me. The power of those eight words, “Say it Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud,” gave Black people a newfound self-confidence in 1968 that they had not had before.

Read the full commentary on our website at: www.couriernews.org

By Pastor E. A. Deckard Special to the NNPA News Wire Staus Quo No Mo

“Now, as a nation, we don’t promise equal outcomes, but we were founded on the idea everybody should have an equal opportunity to succeed. No matter who you are, what you look like, where you come from, you can make it. That’s an essential promise of America.

Where you start should not determine where you end up” — President Barack Obama Read the full commentary on our website at: www.couriernews.org

By Roger Caldwell NNPA News Wire Film Critic

U.S. Black Chamber Expands its Reach, Influence and Voice In 2016

Black business is growing and the Black community is not aware of its influence nationally and globally. Group economics and Black business is not discussed very often together in the Black community and this is the reason the Black community is suffering. According to 2015 Urban Institute report, Whites have 12 times the wealth of Blacks, but that does not mean that there are not successful Black organizations and businesses working to change that condition.

United States Black Chamber (USBC) CEO Ron Busby has been working the last five years to expand his organization to be the national voice for Black business owners. “In order for there to be a strong Black America, you must have strong businesses. There’s a trillion dollars of spending power in our community and we want to make sure that dollar stays within our community,” says CEO Busby.

Blacks in America do not understand that our spending power is greater than many small countries in the world, and there are over 2 million small Black businesses in the US. The majority of these businesses are small mom and pop businesses, but if we practice group economics, they have the potential to grow.

The U.S. Black Chambers is built around Five Pillars of Service, which are Advocacy, Access to Capital, Contracting, Entrepreneur Training, and Chamber Development. Through the creation of resources and initiatives, 2015 was a busy year for USBC as an association of more than 100 self-sustaining viable Black Chambers nationwide, and serving close to 250,000 small businesses.

Read the full commentary on our website at: www.couriernews.org

C OVER S TORY

PAGE 5

February 18, 2016

Vivica Fox Headlines Women’s Empowerment Luncheon Indiana, on July 30, 1964, and proud of both her Native American and AfricanAmerican heritage. She is a graduate of Arlington High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, and, after graduating, moved to California to attend Golden West College. While in California, she began acting professionally, first on soap operas, such as Generations (1989), Days of Our Lives (1965) and The Young and the Restless (1973). In another early role, she played Patti LaBelle's fashion designer daughter, "Charisse Chamberlain", on the NBC-TV series, Out All Night (1992). Her first big break was in the film, Independence Day (1996), along with Will Smith where she and Will won an MTV award for Best Kiss. Many fans will recognize Vivica from her roles in box office hits, Set It Off (1996) and her critically acclaimed role of "Maxine" in the 1997 motion picture, Soul Food, which netted her MTV Movie Award and NAACP Image Award nominations.

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

With the theme “Women: Blooming Where You Are Planted...Growing Into Your Full Potential” the fourteenth annual DBI, Inc. Women’s Empowerment Luncheon is set for 11:00 am March 11, at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.

In March of 2002 the woman of Davis Broadcasting, Inc., the only AfricanAmerican owned radio station in Columbus, Georgia, hosted their first Women’s Empowerment Luncheon. The event was held at “The Estate” on Macon Road with just under 200 in attendance. The keynote speaker was Tina Knowles; mother of Beyoncé and the musical artist for the luncheon was Kelly Price.

Fourteen years later the luncheon, whose goal is to inspire and encourage women,

has become one of the most sought after tickets of the year having grown to well over a thousand attendees annually.

In addition to Knowles notable celebrity speakers have included; Donna Joyner, Kim Porter, Jasmine Guy, Kim Fields, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Kim Whitley, Lynn Whitfield and former radio host Michael Baisden.

Vending satrts at 10:00am and the luncheon begins at 11am. Individual Tickets are $35 and reserved tables are $300 at Davis Broadcasting, 2203 Wynnton Road, Columbus, Georgia. Call Cheryl Davis at 706.576.3565 Davis Broadcasting Inc. proudly announces the 14th Annual Women’s Empowerment Luncheon Keynote Speaker, Vivica A. Fox. Vivica A. Fox was born in South Bend,

In 2000, she was casted in the medical drama, City of Angels as "Dr. Lillian Price". She has had roles in many other movies ever since, such as: Teaching Mrs. Tingle (1999), Two Can Play That Game (2001) and Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003).

Vivica also took another television role, from 2004 to 2006, as she starred in the drama series, 1-800-Missing, on the Lifetime Television Network. In 2007, she was a contender on the hit ABC

Reality Show, Dancing with the Stars, and stayed until she was voted off in the fourth week.

In addition to numerous acting roles, Fox was highlighted on TV One’s Unsung Hollywood and working with the network on two holiday made-for-TV movies, Royal Feast & A Royal Family Christmas.

You may have seen her recently as a contestant on reality show, Celebrity Apprentice, and as a guest star on the Fox hit, EMPIRE.

Fox has co-starred with some of Hollywood’s hottest actors, including Academy Award® winners Jamie Fox, Halle Berry and Whoopi Goldberg and Academy Award® nominees Will Smith, Uma Thurman and Queen Latifah. Fox’s feature credits include Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill,” “Set It Off”, “Ella Enchanted,” “Independence Day,” “Soul Food,” “Batman and Robin,” “Kingdom Come,” “Why Do Fools Fall In Love”, “Boat Trip” and “Juwanna Mann.” She also co-produced and starred in “The Salon” with Academy Award® nominee Terrence Howard and in “The Hard Corps” alongside Jean Claude Van Damme.

Davis Broadcasting Inc. is proud to welcome Ms. Vivica A. Fox to Columbus as the 14th Annual Women’s Empowerment Luncheon.

THURSDAY February 18, 2016

A Life Without Us...African Americans

By Wane A. Hailes Special To The Courier

Each year I publish this column in hopes that our African American youth and many adults realize the rich heritage we have. As we celebrate Black History Month I find it embarrassing how little we, as African Americans, know about our contribution to society. Black history includes so much more than just slavery, Frederick Douglas, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, Marcus Garvey, WEB. Dubois, George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington.

Unfortunately there are many people who believe that this would be a much better America without Black people. I would contend America without Black people would be a miserable place. I would like to send those with like minds through a time tunnel to an America without black people. I can hear their sighs of relief and comments of, "No more drugs, crime, welfare or violence.

All of the blacks are gone!" Then reality would suddenly set in. Their "America" is not America at all, only a barren land. There would be very few crops that would flourish because the nation was built on a slave-supported system. Cities would not have tall skyscrapers because Alexander Mils, a black man, invented the elevator, and without it, one finds great difficulty reaching higher floors.

There would be few if any cars because Richard Spikes, a black man, invented the automatic gearshift, Joseph Gambol, also black, invented the Super Charge System for internal combustion engines, and Garrett A. Morgan, a black man, invented the traffic signals.

Furthermore, one could not use the rapid transit system because its precursor was the electric trolley, which was invented by another black man, Albert R. Robinson.

Even if there were streets on which cars and a rapid transit system could operate; they would be cluttered with paper because an African American, Charles Brooks, invented the street

sweeper. There would be no newspapers, magazines or books because John Love invented the pencil sharpener, William Purveys invented the fountain pen, Lee Barrage invented the Type Writing Machine, and WA Love invented the Advanced Printing Press.

They were all Black. Even if Americans could write their letters, articles and books, they would not be transported by mail because William Barry invented the Postmarking and Canceling Machine, William Purveys invented the Hand Stamp, and Phillip Downing invented the Letter Drop. Lawns would be brown and wilted because Joseph Smith invented the lawn sprinkler and John Burr the lawn mower.

When you enter your homes, you would find them to be poorly ventilated and poorly heated. You see, Frederick Jones invented the air conditioner and Alice Parker the heating furnace. Their homes were also dim.

But of course, Lewis Latimer invented the electric lamp, Michael Harvey invented the lantern and Granville T. Woods invented the automatic cutoff switch.

Homes would be filthy, because Thomas W. Steward invented the mop and Lloyd P. Ray the dustpan. Children would walk around barefooted, shabby, motley and unkempt. But what could one expect? Jan E. Matzelinger invented the shoe lasting machine, Walter Sammons invented the comb, Sarah Boone invented the ironing board, and George T. Samon invented the clothes dryer. Finally, they would be resigned to at least have dinner amidst all of this turmoil. But here again, the food would spoil because another Black man, John Standard invented the refrigerator.

I would ask, in the future, when your children are asked to do a report on a famous Black American instead of the "usuals," why not challenge them to report on one of the above and make their teacher work for a change.

Life without us?, I don't think so.

Black Inventors

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C OVER S TORY

February 18, 2016

LET’S GROW (STEAM)x Launches Youth Exploratory & Career Expo start-ups where STEAM professionals work and STEAM undergraduate and graduate students matriculate. This event is a great opportunity for K-12 students to learn about STEAM careers as well as the post-graduate opportunities available for them right here in the Fountain City. ”

By Danita Gibson Lloyd Special Contributor To the Courier

“The business and educational community have enthusiastically embraced and supported this initiative,” continued Branscomb. “They include Columbus Consolidated Government, Columbus Technical College, TSYS, VIZITECH, Take That Media, Verizon, AFLAC, Georgia First Robotics and Columbus Makes It Entrepreneurial and Creativity Center, Pratt and Whitney and approximately 40+ vendors that will host more than 1200 students from Muscogee County School District. These organizations will share their passion for STEAM, discuss careers, conduct hands-on demonstrations and showcase real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

inal ideas of their own), work on completing specific topic related challenges, and then present their creations during a peer competition. As a reward, they develop 21st century skills that prepare them for a successful future, as well as earn prizes and awards.

Branscomb continued, “LGSx wants to combine the areas of STEAM, the limitless creativity of children that spans their imagination, as well as youth entrepreneurship---all to create value for the next generation of 21st Century originators, trail blazers, problem-solvers, and innovative thinkers. We know that preparing today's youth to resolve tomorrow's most difficult challenges is not something any one person, community, or organization can do alone.”

Leshan A. Ferguson is a public school educator, mentor, speaker, wife, and mother of four.

She attained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Premed Biology at Fort Valley State University, a Master’s degree in Middle Grades Education (Math & Science) at Columbus State University, and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum Instructional Management and Administration at Nova Southeastern University.

Robbie Branscomb is an Event Coordinator with the Columbus Civic Center and Founder of Let’s Grow STEAMx. The platform was birthed four years ago when the unexpected challenge to create an educational component for the beloved Greater Columbus Fair was given.

Tasheé Singleton is a high energy professional that enjoys propelling an organization to its fullest potential of profitability by streamlining processes, enhancing communications, and building effective teams. She’s an accountant who’s practiced for ten years and has ventured into operations management. She has developed a greater passion to mentor people and challenge them to raise the standard of living not only for themselves but for those around them as well. She capitalizes on this mission every day with her husband and four children.

On Friday, March 11, 2016 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, the 1st Annual Let’s Grow (STEAM)x Youth Exploratory and Career Expo will be hosted by the Let’s Although the event is free and open Grow (STEAM)x (LGSx) Educational to public schools, pre-registration for Platform during “STEAM:UL8! Spring interested organizations/employers is STEAM Festival Weekend”, March 11strongly suggested at www.letsgrow12, 2016. This featured event whose steam.org. Let’s Grow (STEAM)x welfocus is exposing Chattahoochee comes organizations and companies to Valley’s K-12 to the exciting careers sow into their future workforce by supavailable in Science, Technology porting this community event. Space is Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and still available for those companies desirBeyond in careers will be held at the ing to be represented. For more inforColumbus Civic Center and Ice Rink. mation about the (STEAM)x Youth This free, invitation-only event allows This year, LGSx will be featured along Career Expo and/or (STEAM)x compestudents to visit and move freely among with GEORGIA First Robotics and tition, contact Mrs. Robbie Branscomb STEAM exhibitor tables and activities.

Columbus Makes IT: a Creativity and at info@letsgrowsteam.org or at 706During the STEAM:UL8! Spring STEAM Entrepreneurship Center during the fes- 577-3409.

Festival, students will not only parABOUT LET’S GROW ticipate in the The following quote serves as an inspiration for their work: (STEAM)x LGSx platform "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stum- The Let’s Grow (STEAM)x platbut will experibles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the form is a tax-exempt local nonence a myriad of profit organization, founded in 2016 man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who by Mrs. Robbie Branscomb in STEAM activities including the live, strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort Columbus, Georgia on the premhighly energized without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows ise that exposure to members of robotic competigreat enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the the science, technology, engineertion, innovative ing, arts and mathematics best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, (STEAM) communities is critical to mini-makers faire, informative at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid student achievement and career STEAM career exploration in STEAM. Its two core souls who neither know victory nor defeat." expo, and multiprograms, (STEAM)x Competition ple interactive and (STEAM)x Youth Exploratory - “Citizenship in a Republic” speech excerpt, President Roosevelt STEAM exhibits & Careers Expo, enhance the hosted by various STEAM educational experience for sponsors.

Pre-K thru 12 students by providing them tival. LGSx is a unique platform that Let’s Grow (STEAM)x CEO/President Robbie Branscomb said, “The Fountain City has a strong STEAM sector filled with a diversity of academic institutions, corporations, government agencies and

gives students PreK through 12th grade the opportunity to showcase their innovative and creative talents. At no cost to students, they are able to register and select from a list of creative project suggestions (as well as submit orig-

The POWER Behind (STEAM)x Leading the charge to help children explore their untapped potential and enjoy exciting careers in the STEAM fields is a dynamic team of ladies. Meet the STEAM “DREAM” TEAM:

with opportunities to engage in hands-on STEAM activities, explore STEAM careers and learn about real-world applications of STEAM. Since its inception, the organization has served hundreds of youth in the Chattahoochee Valley.

PAGE 8

Metropolitan Baptist Church 1635 5th Avenue . Columbus, Georgia 706.322.1488

February 18, 2016

P ROGRESSIVE F UNERAL H OME

Service Schedule

Sunday School 9:30 A.M Sunday Worship 11:00 A.M Monday Night Prayer 6:00 P.M Tuesday Bible Study 12:00 P.M & 5:30 P.M

Mission Statement A growing church for growing Christians attempting to grow the Kingdom, one soul at a time.

First African Baptist Church

Pastor Curtis Crocker, Jr.

901 5th Avenue

Columbus, Georgia

Sunday Worship Sunday School 9:30 A.M. Morning Worship 11A.M. Transportation Provided

Call 706-323-3367 Sr. Pastor Roderick Green

Evergreen Covington, CEO

4236 St. Mary’s Road

Columbus, Georgia 31907

706.685.8023

evergreenfc@mediacombb.net

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The McCardle House 927 Third Avenue Columbus, Georgia

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PAGE 9

February 18, 2015

LaVoy’s Sports Bar

1811 Suite 7 Victory Drive Columbus, GA

The Spot To Enjoy Sports In The Company of Good Friends

February 18, 2016

PAGE 10

TEL: 706.507.9132 FAX: 706.507.9135

1435 54th Street, Suite 100 A Columbus, GA 31904 www.sweetgumsdental.com

Hill-Watson-People’s Funeral Service, LLC Same Quality Service - New Location Cedric Hill, CFSP Funeral Director 1605 3rd Avenue Columbus, Georgia 706.327.9293 706.327.8310 Fax:706.571.0038 Email: hwp_cedrichill@yahoo.com

PAGE 11

Voting is a basic right of being an American citizen. Elections in America have not only shaped the history of America, but have also shaped the history of the World. Let your voice be heard and register to vote today!

Note: You must be registered by the 5th Monday prior to an election to be eligible to vote.

Register to Vote Registration Qualifications: Be a citizen of the United States Be a legal resident of Muscogee County Be at least 17 1/2 to register and 18 to vote Not be serving a sentence for conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude Have not been found mentally incompetent by a judge Required Information: Full legal name Residence address Mailing address (if different from residence address) County of residence (Muscogee) Phone Number Georgia Driver's License or Georgia I.D. number or full Social Security Number - last 4 digits required Date of birth Gender Race Signature Form of identification (if you are registering for the first time in Georgia). Below are the six forms of ID accepted by the State of Georgia.

Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID A Georgia Driver's License, even if expired Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority or other entity of this state Valid U.S. passport ID Valid U.S. military photo ID Valid tribal photo ID

If you meet the above qualifications and have the required information on hand, please download and complete the State of Georgia Application for Voter Registration. All instructions and mailing address information may be found on the application.

February 18, 2016

Advance Presidential Preference Primary Voting February 2016 February 8, 2016 - February 26, 2016 7:00AM - 7:00 PM, Days: Monday - Friday

Saturdays February 13, 2016 - February 20, 2016 9:00AM - 4:00 PM City Services Center Community Room 3111 Citizens Way Columbus, Georgia 31906

Page 12

A C OURIER C ONVERSATION ...

February 18, 2016

City Council Candidate Marquese “Skinny” Averett...District 4

This “Courier Conversation” is with Marquese “Skinny” Averett who is a candidate for Muscogee County City Council District 4 The seat is currently held by Mayor Pro-Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh who has represented the District since 1988.

her representation. In addition there are those who feel she has earned the right to stay in office until she chooses to step down. How do you respond?

Averett: First, you can count me among the members of the community with great respect for my opponent and her experience serving our city. You’re right, I’m not running against anyone, I’m running FOR something.

We live in a democracy. The 4th District Council seat belongs to the people, and they alone have the right to choose who sits there. If the community feels she’s earned the right to stay, our great country gives them the freedom to vote for her.

Courier: You have been known throughout the community for campaigning to bring about political and social change, what prompted your decision to attempt this transition from activist to politician?

Averett - This question is a great example of why it’s time for a change in the 4th District – I’m not making a transition. I’m an activist, and I’m running to be an activist for the people of the 4th District every single day. That’s what effective representation requires. There should be no difference between a politician and an activist. Sitting at the council table, walking neighborhoods, going to events – no matter the time or the place, I will always be campaigning for political and social change. If a politician isn’t an activist, they’re not giving the people the representation they deserve.

Courier: When you announced your intention to enter the political arena you specifically noted that you are not running against your opponent but rather running for the District 4 City Council Seat. Even so, there are those who say you are being disrespectful by running against an incumbent who has close to 27 years of experience in city government, is well respected in the community and whose constituents are satisfied with

I believe it’s time for a change. I know some disagree, and that’s okay. This is Columbus, and elected officials serve at the pleasure of the people. We have the right to choose our representatives.

I joined this election to give the people a choice and to talk about the issues facing our community.

If the 4th District is satisfied with their representation, they’ll vote for her. If they share my belief that it’s time for a change, they’ll vote for me. The choice, and the Council seat, are owned by the people of the 4th District. I believe it’s deeply disrespectful to our district, our city, and Georgia values to suggest that voters do not deserve a choice.

Courier: What are your three main areas of concern that need to be addressed by City Council?

Averett: My three areas of concern are jobs within the district, the uptick in violent crime and educating our youth in order for them to have opportunity, to build a better Columbus.

Courier: Working together is important especially on the City Council because many problems exist that affect diverse groups of people with different interests. Being that it will take a majority vote in order to effect change, what experience or skill set do you possess regarding consensus building when it comes to the District you are seeking to repre-

sent?

Averett: As a committee member of the Mayor’s Commission on Unity, Diversity and Prosperity, my mission has been to attack the root causes of poverty in Columbus. Together the organization has talked about wage inequality and crime, but my focus has been targeted to redevelopment of Buena Vista Road/Forrest Rd and the economic development opportunities that can come from it.

Courier: You are considered a product of the “Millennial Generation” or “Generation Next”, those individuals born between 1980(81) to 2000. One of the traits of your generation is that you are civic-minded with a strong sense of community both local and global. Although the majority of

registered voters in Muscogee County is majority African American we know that far few of us actually exercise that right to vote. What efforts are you taking to mobilize that “Generation Next”?

Averett: As a part of my work with the Young Minority Leaders, I led the effort to register young people to vote by going door to door and visiting schools in an effort to increase voter registration and participation. We have continued to push voter participation and activism since that time.

Courier:

Any Final thoughts?

Averett: I look forward to sharing my platform and talking to voters about my candidacy and why I am the best choice for Council District 4.

Marquese “Skinny Averett

Even in high school you could tell Marquese Averett, who is affectionately known as “Skinny”, was destined to lead and destined to serve his community.

Marquese, a 2008 graduate of Kendrick High School in Columbus, Georgia was voted both Homecoming and Prom King.

He continued his education at Fort Valley State University and later transferred to Columbus State University studied Political Science. While at Columbus State Marquese was an SGA Senator, Secretary of the Collegiate 100, and 2nd VP of the NAACP. While still in high school “Skinny” helped found and develop Crown Entertainment, a marketing and promotions powerhouse.

As an entrepreneur he took Crown Entertainment to heights unseen in Georgia and was deemed by many to be the #1 coordinator in events and community service oriented activities. Under his leadership, five other chapters of Crown Entertainment were established (Valdosta, Macon, Fort Valley, Manchester and Warner Robins).

In February of 2010, Marquese joined the Mayoral campaign of Teresa Tomlinson serving as the Field Coordinator, helping Mayor Tomlinson to clinch 68% of the vote and become the first female Mayor of Columbus, Ga In February of 2012, he served as the

Social Media Coordinator for Columbus native and former NBA Coach Sam Mitchell on his radio show, Time Out With Sam. It was also in 2012 that he attended and graduated from the Congressional Black Caucus Institute for Campaigns and Elections, a 9 day intensive boot camp in Washington D.C. Averett had the opportunity serve as a Field Organizer for President Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign in Tacoma, Washington. And in July 2014, Marquese became the Regional Field Director for the League of Conservation Voters in Davenport, Iowa.

The current President of the Young Minority Leaders, Marquese is the recipient of many awards including the Rainbow/PUSH Trailblazer Award, Omega Psi Phi Citizen of the Year 2013, and the Firm Grip Grammy's 2013 Achievement Award.

At the age of 22, Marquese was selected as one of the 50 Most Influential African Americans in Columbus, Phenix City and Fort Benning by the Courier Eco Latino newspaper. Adding to his list of accomplishments he is a 2014 Graduate of Leadership Columbus.

With all that he has accomplished in such a short period there is no mistaking that this young man is on the move and one to look out for in the future.

Page 13

A C OURIER C ONVERSATION ...

February 18, 2016

Incumbent, Mayor Pro-Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh...City Council District 4

This “Courier Conversation” is with Muscogee County City Council District 4 Incumbent, Mayor Pro-Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh who has represented the District since 1989.

Courier: As I am sure you are aware, for sometime now there have been many in your district and the community as a whole who wondered if you would run for re-election given the recent passing of your husband, Reginald and more specific, due to issues concerning your health. With that being said let me direct if I may, How are you doing?

Mayor Pro-Tem: If you don’t mind let me be as direct and candid with you as well. First let me again thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support I received during a most devastating and trying time in my life. And I mean that. The kindness that was shown towardme and my family, from not only people in my district but throughout this community really touched our hearts, and on behalf of my family I appreciated it. Now let’s get to the question that is on everyone’s mind, my health.

I have always said when I can no longer be effective it would be time for me to leave. There is no doubt that I have a disability. I have Parkinson’s disease but I assure you, Parkinson’s does not have me. I am willing and most important able to continue serving this community.

Courier: Having put that question to rest, let’s move on. When you were elected to the City Council in 1988 did you ever think you would be serving this long?

Mayor Pro-Tem: The short answer is no, but truthfully it’s not really up to any elected official or me. How long one serves is ultimately in the hands of the people they serve. From the very beginning, when I first sought this City Council seat in 1987, it has always been about putting the people first.

When the people needed a voice to articulate their needs and concerns I have been there. They have entrusted me with that authority and I have never taken that trust for granted. Together, for the past 27 years we have built that public trust.

Courier: You said earlier that you would continue to serve as long as you are effective. What do you see as opportunities for this community where, as an advocate for your district, you can be helpful?

Mayor Pro-Tem: Columbus is a very unique place of which I am proud to call my home. Through hard work and dedication, we can continue to build a district and a city that we are all proud of. I have always been committed to protecting and improving the community that I live in. That commitment means continuing the development of the technology park, which in turn will bring in additional jobs that will pay for additional housing and transportation. That commitment means continuing to work with the state delegation in securing additional transportation dollars, which will free up local dollars to be used for capital improvements. And that commitment means continuing to work with the state on improving traffic flow on Buena Vista Road and the intersection of I-185

Courier: One final question. If you could use only one word to describe why the constituents in your district, District 4, should re-elect Evelyn Turner Pugh what would it be?

Mayor Pro-Tem: If I have to some it up in one word it would be ‘Leadership”.

Having been elected by my peers on City Council to serve as Mayor ProTem speaks to what others think of my leadership abilities.

That one word would have to be Leadership. On City Council you want a leader with the background, experience and the relationships to continue moving our dis-

trict forward – I am that leader. You want a leader who is a team builder with a proven record of investing in our hometown – I am that leader. You want a leader who will foster that sense of community, and start innovation, while

honoring and respecting our traditions – I am that leader. Finally I humbly believe that I am the candidate with the formula for success in our district.

I am committed to answering a greater calling. I am running to serve them.

Mayor Pro-Tem Evelyn Turner Pugh

On December 1, 2012 Mayor ProTem Evelyn Turner-Pugh, retired from SunTrust Bank where she served as Vice President of SunTrust Bank of West Georgia since 1999.

Prior to her career with SunTrust, Turner-Pugh spent 30 years with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, initially as the COB Unit Leader and then as Internal Auditor, Lead Financial Analyst, and Manager of the Columbus Financial Operations.

She is a celebrated financial manager, Columbus City Council member, and Columbus College graduate who has provided years of exceptional leadership and guidance to Columbus and the State of Georgia.

Pugh has served this community since 1988 and has taken on a wealth of important responsibilities including becoming the first female Mayor ProTem in the city’s history.

In 2007 Turner-Pugh was recognized as one of Georgia’s top public servants receiving the Excellence in Public Service Award presented by the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government in partnership with Georgia Trend.

“The basic idea is to recognize those who excel at all aspects of public service and to help promote public service as a career path,” said Steve Wrigley, director of the Carl Vinson Institute. “Public servants often face the challenges of high expectations and limited resources, which means they have to do a lot more with less than their counterparts in the private sector.”

Evelyn was knee deep in local politics by the time she received her high school diploma. In 1968, she went door-to-door in her neighborhood handing out campaign literature for a candidate seeking a city coun

cil seat, the same seat she first won in 1988 and still holds.

“I have always been connected to my neighborhood and very involved in a lot of community projects, especially those that were helping the underserved,” she says. Testament to such a commitment is Pugh’s long volunteer service to education, the arts, healthcare and especially adequate housing.

As a former chair of what’s now known as Columbus’ NeighborWorks, Pugh used her banking expertise and connections to improve housing opportunities in declining areas.

“That effort required the buy-in from the [banking] CEOs, and we got that,” she says. “A lot of the banks here went into partnership with NeighborWorks to come up with different programs. I have a passion for helping people who don’t know they have an avenue open to them. To see the conditions of poverty some people live in, whether buying or renting, was just deplorable.”

Pugh’s long career in public service and devotion to what she calls “volunteer activism” was born when she was a student, during long conversations with her uncle, a high school government teacher. “My inspiration for public service came from him,” she says. “We spent hours talking about how government works and how it can be used to improve the lives of the poor. Since then I have always wanted to give back to this community.”

Pugh continues to work towards improving local government services, but still keeps in mind the wellspring of her career in public service. “It all begins in the neighborhood,” she says.

“That’s where every community begins.”

Friendship Baptist Church Host Site For Beulah Heights University Columbus Extension Center

Fire and Burglar Alarm Security Cameras Surround Sound

1124 Lockwood Avenue Columbus, Georgia 31906 1.800.769.0694 Curtis Stephens

Cell: 706.888.8522

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STEAM

Competition March 11-12, 2016 Columbus Civic Center

For more information, please contact info@letsgrowsteam.org

On Thursday, January 28, 2016 Beulah Heights University Columbus Extension Center located at Friendship Baptist Church; held its first Chapel Fellowship for the semester. The evening began with a dynamic devotion conducted by several of the Beulah Heights students, a warm welcome by another student, Darlene Robinson and the motivating message was brought by a student, Reverend Frederick Small.

The subject of his message was: “Wait On The Lord”

Also, in attendance along with the Beulah Heights University (BHU) Columbus Extension Center’s students and faculty, the BHU Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. West Wilson from Atlanta, GA presented Reverend Emmett S. Aniton (the Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church) with a check.

2014-15 academic year, Reverend Aniton graciously opened the doors of Friendship Baptist Church to serve as the site for the Columbus Extension Center for Beulah Heights University.

BHU Columbus Extension site conducts classes Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings. Currently being offered are Bachelor and Master Degrees in Religious Studies and a Bachelor Degrees in Business Administration.

Beulah Heights University was founded in 1918 and has become one of the fastest growing Christian Education institutions in the world. Beulah Heights University Mission Statement is to develop relevant Christian leaders for ministry and marketplace. “Developing global leaders through Christ centered education.”

For further information, please contact the Registrar for BHU Columbus Extension Center, Reverend Roderick Baptiste at 706.464.5789

PAGE 15

Who’s Got Next?...

February 18, 2016

Young Professionals On The Move

Nadine Haralson, provides up close and personal interviews with young professionals who are making a difference in our community. Join us each issue as we introduce, recognize, and celebrate those individuals in Columbus, Phenix City and Ft. Benning who are… “On The Move”

Ricardo Rocellous Martin

Jasmine Brooks

she was crowned Miss Crimson and Crème.

In 2012 Brooks created her Boujee Brand and Modeling Company, which consist of models ages 13-17. She also began hosting local fashion shows. With the word spreading of her skills and talents, the Boujee fashion and modeling brand has been seen strutting across stages from Albany, Statesboro to Atlanta.

By Nadine Haralson The Courier

By Nadine Haralson The Courier

Ricardo Rocellous Martin was born in Fort Benning, Ga and grew up in Phenix City. He is a graduate of Central High School and the University of Alabama in 2013. In addition to his educational endeavors he joined the United States Army reserves where he has received numerous awards for exceptional service.

Currently enrolled at Troy University, Martin is studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Psychology. He works as a Para-professional with at risk youth.

“What I enjoy most is that I have the opportunity to teach children and the young adults skills they will need to be effective member in society. I facilitate effective communication between parents and schools; help parents and teachers change behaviors that the child presents at home and while at school.

After getting into this field and being exposed to the horrors that some children are exposed to it pushed my own desire to earn my degree and become an effective counselor.”

“As it relates to children today I am quite interested in how video games affect education (specifically the aptitude to learn and apply). More than that, however, I would love to help create video games simulations to help people learn skills such as electrical, plumbing, police work, etc. I think video games are the future of education.

In the future Ricardo looks forward to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing Marriage and Family therapy. “These plans will eventually lead me to creating my own practice because nothing is better than entrepreneurship and being in control of your own destiny.”

Hats off to the young twenty-five year old entrepreneur, Jasmine Brooks, owner of Boujee Bittie Boutique. Claiming Columbus, Georgia as her hometown, Jasmine graduated from Columbus High School in 2009 and went on to further her education at Albany State University majoring in Psychology.

As a child Brooks suffered from low self-esteem, viewing herself as unattractive because of her brown complexion. Brooks figured if she could find a way for people to center their attention on other things about her rather than her looks, she’d be better off. For her it became fashionable clothing.

Needing a little help to get her started, a young Jasmine received her first sewing machine as a gift from her grandmother at the tender age of eight.

A gift she still has to this day. From there Jaz (as family calls her) made her first introduction into the fashion world, making and wearing her own clothing. Not only was she styling and profiling, but her confidence increased as well. While attending Albany state

Juggling single parenthood and a full-time job, entrepreneurship soon became a heavy burden. With the advice of a close friend, Jasmine felt it was time for her to take control of her life. Making a major decision to leap and step out on faith she left her job at Blue Cross Blue Shield behind.

“Just left everything,” says Jasmine “but I had faith.”

In the summer of August 2015 she opened her first store, Boujee Bittie Boutique. A boutique featuring only the hottest styles from business to club wear, with accessories and shoes fitted only for the elite trendsetters.

A small goal achieved, Boujee Bittie Boutique and her modeling agency has been a true inspiration to the young models Brooks works with on a daily basis. “There was a time when I wanted no one to look at me, now you can’t tell me I ain’t cute” laughs Brooks.

Looking up to models and fashion icons such as Rihanna, Kourtney Kardashian, and Laura Govan to bring creative ideas to life, Brooks understands how that “perfect” outfit can transform how you feel about yourself.

Hoping to one day become a nationwide boutique, Jasmine would love to become a stylist to the stars and possibly even host or coordinate New York’s fashion week. Jasmine says she lives by the quote “Everything happens for a reason, but it’s the way in which you approach the problem that will determine the outcome. “ For her the sky’s the limit.

T HE B LACK & H ISPANIC Y ELLOW PAGES

Progressive Funeral Home 4235 St. Mary’s Road Columbus, Georgia 706.685.8023

AND

B USINESS D IRECTORY

S MALL B USINESS S POTLIGHT

At Progressive Funeral Home in Columbus GA., we welcome you with our new online presence.

Here you will find information about our services and facilities so as to better inform you with what we can offer. Whether you are considering an earth burial or cremation, a traditional funeral ceremony or memorial service, there are many options available. Our funeral directors are dedicated, compassionate and understanding. We are committed to serving each family individually and to providing the services to acknowledge the life of a loved one.

Mr. Ford's daughter Evergreen Covington has maintained the high standards set by her father and operates under the principles they established years ago.

Our main focus remains to serve our families with the best personal attention and professional care. All faiths and cultures are welcomed and accommodated.

Each family we now serve, receives an online memorial website, complete with the ability to express condolences.

Progressive Funeral Home is family owned and operated and was founded by the late George Ford in 1952 and continues to carry

T HE M INORITY Y ELLOW PAGES

A1A Bonding Company 1246 10th Street Columbus, Ga AAA Fast Tax, LLC 3575 Macon Rd. Suite 1 Columbus, Ga Alarm Communications, Inc. 1124 Lockwood Ave. Columbus, Ga Attorney Jose E. Guzman 721 1st Avenue Columbus, Ga Attorney Katonga Wright 3100 Gentian Blvd. Suite 8B Cols, Ga Attorney Shevon S. Thomas 201 9th Street Columbus, Ga Attorney Stacey S. Jackson 927 3rd Avenue Columbus, Ga C Brown & Associates, Inc. 1300 Wynnton Rd Ste 107 Columbus, Ga Courier Eco Latino Group 416 12th Street Suite 201 Columbus, Ga Courier Eco Latino Newspaper 416 12th Street Suite 201 Columbus, Ga Dr. Brel Clark, Optometrist 5448 B Whittlesey Blvd Columbus, Ga Dr. Laretha Lockhart, Dentist 1435 54th Street Ste 100 Columbus, Ga Exclusive Wireless 3512 Buena Vista Rd Columbus, Ga First African Baptist Church 901 5th Avenue Columbus, Ga First Step Recovery, LLC 3575 Macon Rd #12 Columbus, Ga Freedom Bonding Company 615 10th St. Columbus, Ga Friendship Baptist Church 831 6th Avenue Columbus, Ga Gametime Barbershop 2409 S. Lumpkin Rd International Funeral Home 927 5th Avenue Columbus, Ga J & J Bonding Company 424 9th Street Suite 10 Columbus, Ga Kee J’s By Jerry 3656 Buena Vista Rd #3 Columbus, Ga Metropolitan Baptist Church 1635 5th Avenue Columbus, Ga Moses Bonding Company 615 Veterans Parkway Columbus, Ga Overflo Beauty & Barber Shop 1816 Midtown Drive Columbus, Ga Progressive Funeral Home 4236 St. Mary’s Rd Columbus, Ga Realtor Tashema Johnson 7830 Veterans Parkway Columbus, Ga Supreme Fast Tax 2450 Wynnton Rd. Columbus, Ga Tax (1) One 3337 Buena Vista Rd Columbus, Ga The Clothes Connection 3360 Buena Vista Rd Suite 19B VH Long Notary Public 416 12th Street Suite 201 Columbus, Ga West Georgia Orthodontics 3645 Gentian Blvd Suite 2 Columbus, Ga

on the family tradition of compassion and service.

706.322.6665 706.507.2775 706.888.8522 706.984.8428 706.610.0049 706.507.5425 706.324.0882 706.653.1287 706.225.0106 706.225.0106 706.322.5621 706.507.9132 706.641.8917 706.323.3367 706.221.4860 706.571.0106 706.323.6996 706.243.2009 706.322.8713 706.660.8800 706.507.5659 706.322.1488 706.327.0555 706.689.2800 706.685.8023 404.593.1620 706.507.1040 706.507.3032 706.984.8575 706.225.0106 706.660.0221

Often times family, friends or colleagues cannot always attend the funeral ceremony. Progressive Funeral Home allows you the opportunity to submit your personal words of condolence, light candles, view photo’s and video on our website.

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B USINESS D IRECTORY

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Page 17

February 18, 2016

Shaquoya Jackson Is ShaLaJa´ Swimwear

er, Shaquoya Jackson decided to stop searching for the ‘sexy, flirty yet sophisticated’ swimwear she desired and create it herself. Fueled by a lifelong passion for the art-and-craft of high fashion, Shaquoya set out to design a line of cutting edge swimwear that would appeal to style savvy women around the globe of all shapes and sizes.

By Wane A. Hailes The Courier

ShaLaJa’ Swimwear came to life in 2011 after founder and local design-

“My mission is to create all varieties and styles of swimwear, from small to plus size, to accommodate women of all shapes and sizes. From sexy styles, to simple styles, to wardrobe looking styles and everything in between. I want to have options and I want to have something for everyone! I want to make every women feel comfortable and beautiful in a piece and I want to make it easy.”

- Shaquoya Jackson, Designer

Columbus Technical College is Hiring!

We are looking for qualified candidates for the following positions: Adult Education ESL Instructor Part-time

Anatomy & Physiology Adjunct Instructor Associate Degree Nursing Adjunct Instructor Barber Instructor Part-time Carpentry/Cabinetmaking Adjunct Instructor Culinary Arts Instructor Full-time Driver’s Education Instructor Part-time Esthetics Adjunct Instructor Interpreter Part-time Manager – Business & Industry Training (Manufacturing) Full-time Microbiology Adjunct Instructor Practical Nursing Instructor Adjunct Science Support Center Tutor Part-time Secondary Initiatives Coordinator Full-time Technical Instructor/Coordinator – Automotive Technology Full-time

For more details and to apply for these positions, please go to www.columbustech.edu and click “CTC Employment.”

Columbus Technical College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Page 18

February 18, 2016

Partner Melanie Slaton Named Fellow in Litigation Counsel of America

HBS would like to congratulate Melanie Slaton, Partner at the HBS Columbus office, on being selected to be in the Litigation Counsel of America.

This prestigious fellowship welcomed Ms. Slaton because of her professional excellence and integrity along with her commitment to diversity, which is central to the Counsel's mission. Ms. Slaton will also be joining HBS Partner Robert Shannon in the Litigation Counsel of America.

“It is a great honor to be considered in the same company as such great lawyers from around the country,” says Ms. Slaton.

The Litigation Counsel of America is an invitation-only honorary society for trial lawyers composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers and is limited to 3,500 Fellows.

The purpose of the society is to recognize deserving, experienced, and highly qualified lawyers.

HBS is very proud to have two of its attorney's be a part of such an impressive honorary society that reflects our goal of having the highest commitment to excellence.

Since 1988, Ms. Slaton has practiced in general civil litigation with an emphasis on labor and employment law, including employment discrimination and employment harassment. Ms. Slaton was recognized by Georgia Trend Magazine as a Legal Elite in Labor and Employment law in 2014. She is peer rated “AV” with MartindaleHubbell, the highest rating a lawyer can receive.

In 2015, Ms. Slaton was recognized by the National Black Lawyers Association as one of the top 100 African-American lawyers in America.

Hall Booth Smith, P.C. is a full-service law firm with eleven offices in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. For more than twenty years, HBS has delivered quality legal services with a mission “to ethically and professionally serve our clients by providing the highest quality legal representation in a personally satisfying firm environment.” Our promise “Serving to Achieve Excellence."

Jueves 18 de Febrero 2016

PAGINA 6

Quién tiene los Siguientes

(Who’s got Next)

Latinos en movimiento

(Latinos on the Move)

Nadine Haralson, provides up close and personal interviews with young professionals who are making a difference in our community. Join us each issue as we introduce, recognize, and celebrate those individuals in Columbus, Phenix City and Ft. Benning who are… “On The Move”

Josue Valentin

By Nadine Haralson Eco Latino

Josue Valentin is a native of Puerto Rico, who for the last four years has called Columbus, Georgia home. A current Barber at Primetime Barbershop, Josue has been cutting hair pretty much his whole life, but decided to make it official ten years ago.

“I love being a barber,” says Valentin “It’s what I do. It’s what comes easy to me.”

But don’t be fooled, what looks easy hasn’t always been smooth sailing for this barber.

Reminiscing about his days as a youth, living in Puerto Rico, he thinks about how tough the streets could be, and the many times he ran into trouble.

“I used to be wild and crazy you know,” recalls Josue. “I made a lot of bad decisions, I had no respect for myself, my family, or my people as a

culture.”

With an unborn child on the way, and realizing he was on a path of destruction and not wanting that for his son, Josue knew he needed to change for the better and he did.

Aware of the constant flow of clients both young and old coming into the barbershop, Valentin used the barber’s chair as his opportunity to mentor.

Taking the time to explain to the youth the importance of staying in school, listening and respecting their parents and making good decisions, gives him the chance to share his story and encourage them.

Not only does Josue influence inside the shop, he’s a part of Columbus Barbers United, an organization of Barbers in Columbus that focuses on uniting thru various community service projects such as feeding and giving haircuts to the homeless, and providing Christmas and thanksgiving food and gift drives.

Being a barber is so much more than just cutting a client’s hair to Valentin, it’s a way to express his gratitude, and brings him a great amount of joy. As for the future, Josue says like most barbers he has dreams of being the owner of

his own shop one day. He wants to be able to show his son what hard work and determination looks like and to be able to give others a reason

to succeed.

“I used to never care, I didn’t think about the future,” explains Valentine “now that’s all I do.”

You can find Josue “Bimbo” Valentin at Primetime Barber Shop 1656 S. Lumpkin Rd Ste. E Columbus, Georgia (Se Habla Espanol).

PAGINA 5

Conectándote con el Padre Por: Pastora Yaritza Espinosa Iglesia Tabernáculo Familiar, Inc. / Family Tabernacle Church, Inc. 318 10th Ave. B-F, Columbus, Ga. 31901 706-761-4156 para oración diccionario cautividad como un estado de privación de la libertad de una persona o animal.

Sinónimo de esclavitud.

Vuelve a Soñar Salmo126:1-3 Cuando Jehová hiciere volver la cautividad de Sion, Seremos como los que sueñan. 2 Entonces nuestra boca se llenará de risa, Y nuestra lengua de alabanza; Entonces dirán entre las naciones: Grandes cosas ha hecho Jehová con éstos. 3 Grandes cosas ha hecho Jehová con nosotros; Estaremos Alegres.

Versión las Américas dice v.3 Grandes cosas ha hecho el Señor con nosotros, Estamos alegres.

Mientras das lectura a este escrito quisiera que repitieras conmigo. “Seremos como los que sueñan”.

Atrévete a decirlo, declararlo y afirmarlo, “Seremos como los que sueñan”.

Como hija, esposa, madre y Pastora sé que hay cosas en nuestras vidas que son impulsadas por lo que se anhela, lo que se espera en fin por lo que se sueña. Pero de camino a llevarlas a cabo o verlas cumplidas se suscitan situaciones inesperadas que nos llevan a encontrarnos distantes de aquello tan anhelado. Por eso hoy quiero compartir contigo el Salmo 126 y poder resaltar tres palabras importantes que están conectadas para volver a soñar. Y la primera es la Cautividad, el

Alguna vez has pensado en aquello que te impide avanzar y más aún avanzar en Dios, en lo que él ha hablado y lo que él ha determinado para con cada uno de los tuyos. Alguna vez te has sentido privado de algo para hacerlo en libertad puede ser que te encuentres en cautividad y sin darte cuenta has alimentado aquello que te mantienen allí. Por eso me di a la tarea de hacer una encuesta o sondeo en la cual fue revelador lo que a muchas personas los paraliza. Entre ellos encontré el miedo o temor, el carácter, la enfermedad, el factor tiempo, la falta de energía, falta de conocimiento, el descanso y la fatiga, el yo y la falta de determinación Quizás no te has dado cuenta de que cada una de estas cosas te han llevado y te han mantenido viviendo en cautiverio, presos de nuestros propios límites, encerrados en oscuridad, en tristeza, y sin darnos cuenta que se nos privó el soñar, apagando el botón de los deseos, de la esperanza de las ilusiones, de querer ser feliz y mostrarle a otros el gozo que habita dentro de nuestro corazón.

libertad. Y ese día es hoy. ¿Cuántas veces Dios ha pasado por tu lado y te ha dicho quieres ser libre? ¿Y que tú le contestas?

Algunos de nosotros le hemos dicho que sí, pero realmente al sentirnos tan cómodos estando presos por nosotros mismos que aunque escuchemos la declaración de su palabra no salimos. Por eso Pablo decía acerca de las batallas internas.

2 Corintios 4:6-7Reina-Valera 1960 (RVR1960) 6 Porque Dios, que mandó que de las tinieblas resplandeciese la luz, es el que resplandeció en nuestros corazones, para iluminación del conocimiento de la gloria de Dios en la faz de Jesucristo.

Hoy quiero que repitas conmigo: hoy es mi día, repítelo, Hoy es mi día de comenzar a Soñar de nuevo. Cosas que pueden llevarnos a la cautividad lo son el mal genio, lo puede ser tu boca, tus palabras y las limitaciones de decir no puedo, me merezco esto, no puedo llegar allá, nunca podré hacerlo solo o sola, tantas limitaciones que nos ponemos y estamos matando los Sueños.

Quiero compartirte algo poderoso con cada una de ustedes: Nuestra Libertad se debe expresar en Sueños, porque lo que no sueñes no estarás dispuesto a vivir.

Pastora Yaritza Nieves

Muchos han perdido el enfoque, ya no soñamos, ya no deseamos. Y es por eso que tenemos que volver nuestro corazón a Él.

Los Sueños son definidos como la capacidad de visualizar más allá. Desear intensamente.

Dios siempre tiene un tiempo designado desde que viene a nuestro encuentro para darnos

Pensamiento de Jonh Maxwell escribió: “Quien tiene un sueño conoce

a lo que tiene que renunciar con el propósito de avanzar”.

Cada una de nosotros tiene una historia de Vida, pero dentro de esas historias Dios siempre sembró sueños en nuestro corazón. Recuerda que cada una de nosotros somos un sueño de Dios por lo tanto crecemos con una capacidad de Soñar de ir más allá de anhelar de desear.

Y todos nosotros cuando éramos niñas tuvimos la capacidad de tener sueños: Cuantas de nosotras sonó con su: • Príncipe Azul, Con ser una Súper Héroe y volar, Con ser doctora o doctor, astronauta, maestro o maestra, bailarina o incluso hasta ser mama. Ser princesas ir a Paris.

Soñamos con nuestro día de Bodas y los hijos que tendríamos. Y todo esos sueños nos hacen avanzar en la vida, nos mantenían con una sonrisa, no teníamos mente para pensar cuánto costaría no poníamos limites porque éramos libre para poder soñar y reír.

Pero algo paso que mientras seguíamos creciendo nos envolvimos en este mundo, un mundo selectivo, lleno de contradicciones, tal vez la realidad toco nuestras vidas, comenzaron a llegar las preocupaciones y comenzamos a mirar todo lo que nos rodeaba, a escuchar todo lo que nos hablaba y fue ahí donde perdimos nuestro enfoque cubrimos nuestro corazón en un cautiverio Childhood From Pagina 2 develop consistent metrics and data systems to track access to quality between these years - Ensure that teacher preparation programs and professional development opportunities incorporate information about children’s development in all domains to

Jueves 18 de Febrero 2016

con límites y comenzamos a vivir en el corre y corre, teléfono, niños, esposo, trabajo, trafico, compras, cocina, en el corre y corre y se nos dificulta tanto salir del ahora porque hay tanto que hacer en el ahora tenemos tanta responsabilidad en el ahora pero Satanás utiliza ese ahora para que demos vueltas y vueltas para que no puedas ver que hay en el futuro lo que ya Dios ha preparado para ti.

Y muchas veces nos quedamos dando vueltas y vueltas y pareciera que estuviéramos en PAUSA mientras que la vida nos da vuelta y por eso no avanzamos. Haciendo mucho pero con poca satisfacción, con poco contentamiento. ¿Cuándo fue la Última vez que reíste?, por más que gritas no sale nada, te sientes que quieres ordenar pero todo es un caos, has aceptado la mediocridad y la rutina en tu vida con tanta gente que te dice que no se puede. Es difícil pero es posible en Jesús. Para muchos es algo normal la mediocridad.

Dios no vino a darte algo mediocre, Dios nos hizo para ser soñadoras y sonadores, hijas e hijas de libertad, guerreras y guerreros que se posicionan en su terreno gracias a la Identidad.

Pero hoy es el día en que esa niña o niño puede volver a Soñar.

Hay cosas grandes y sueños que tú has olvidado pero al Soñar despertaran otra vez por eso te digo. Vuelve a Soñar. support higher-order skill building Continuous access to highquality learning environments and experiences between preschool and third grade would better support children’s early development and contribute to success in their academic career and beyond.

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Jueves 18 de Febrero 2016

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Pagina 2

Examinado la calidad a través de la educación preescolar y el tercer grado tunidad educativa de alta calidad que los niños afroamericanos, y los niños de familias con ingresos medios tienen menos acceso a la alta calidad.

Las medidas de calidad en la educación temprana y los de la escuela primaria no son similares o alinean.

Por Danielle Ewen and Rachel Herzfeldt-Kamprath Por varias décadas, políticos estadounidenses de diferentes niveles han resaltado la necesidad de cerrar las brechas de logros educativos entre los grupos raciales y socioeconómicos. Algo muy necesario, es mejorar la alineación de aprendizaje entre la etapa preescolar hasta el tercer grado. Para desarrollar políticas que mejoren la alineación entre la educación temprana y el sistema educativo de K-12, es muy importante entender las experiencias de los niños cuando comienzan su educación.

Este entendimiento es clave, especialmente cuando sabemos que las brechas educativas empiezan antes que los niños entran al kindergarten.

Considerando la importancia que los primeros años de vida establecen para el éxito de la vida, este análisis, busca entender si los niños están recibiendo el apoyo y experiencias de calidad, que necesitan en los programas de edad temprana y en la primaria – principalmente en el kindergarten, el primer grado, y el segundo grado. Utilizando datos representativos al nivel nacional para examinar las experiencias de los niños en los primeros años de su educación, este informe presenta dos preguntas claves.

En primer lugar, ¿hasta qué punto niños tienen acceso a educación temprana de alta calidad por raza y estatus socioeconómico? Y en segundo lugar, ¿una vez que los niños lleguen

a la primaria, hay un cambio para los niños de diferentes orígenes raciales y estatus socioeconómicos, cuando tienen accesibilidad a aulas de alta calidad con las prácticas de enseñanza que fortalecen la fundación temprana?

Las respuestas a estas preguntas revelan las brechas en la accesibilidad a programas de la educación temprana de alta calidad y destacan la necesidad de mejorar la preparación y entrenamiento de maestros.

Los datos también revelan la falta de medidas comunes de calidad a través de los programas de la educación temprana, experiencias que niños tienen en la primaria y también la necesidad para alineación mejor entre la educación preescolar hasta el tercer grado. Por esta razón, la investigación del informe se presenta en dos secciones. La primera sección describe el acceso a los programas de la educación temprana de alta calidad; la segunda examina si las prácticas de enseñanza actuales proporcionan la exposición a habilidades identificadas dentro de los estándares estatales en cada grado. Las dos secciones del informe muestran que: El acceso a la educación preescolar de alta calidad es limitado, varía según el tipo de programa y por el origen racial y estatus socioeconómico de un niño. Específicamente, entre los niños con el acceso a los programas de pre-kindergarten en centros educativos, los niños hispanos tienen más posibilidades de acceder a una opor-

En el principio de la educación primaria—kindergarten hasta el segundo grado—a pesar de las altas expectativas descritas en las normas académicas estatales, maestros parecen de no dedicar mucho tiempo para desarrollar las habilidades de pensamiento de orden superior, que son fundamentales para el éxito de la escuela.

Mientras que políticos federales, estatales, y locales debaten los próximos pasos en la armonización de los sistemas de educación temprana y las políticas, las siguientes recomendaciones deben ser consideradas: Ampliar el acceso a la educación temprana de alta calidad por aumentar la inversión al nivel federal, estatal y local Crear estándares de calidad alineados entre los programas de la educación temprana y el tercer grado y desarrollar métricas consistentes y sistemas de datos para monitorizar el acceso a la educación de alta calidad entre estos años Asegurar que los programas de formación docente y las oportunidades de desarrollo profesional incorporan información sobre el desarrollo de los niños en todos los ámbitos para apoyar el desarrollo de habilidades de orden superior La continuación de un acceso a un ambiente educativo de alta calidad y experiencias positivas entre la educación preescolar y el tercer grado podría mejorar el apoyo y el desarrollo temprano de los niños. Algo que también podrá

contribuir al éxito las carreras academias de los niños y más allá en sus vidas.

ENGLISH Examining Quality Across the Preschool-to-Third Grade Continuum For the past several decades, U.S. policymakers at every level have highlighted the need to close the educational achievement gaps between racial and socioeconomic groups. One much-needed improvement is better alignment across the preschool-to-thirdgrade continuum. Knowing that gaps begin before children enter kindergarten, understanding what children experience as they enter their formal education is vital in order to inform policies that can improve alignment across the early learning and K-12 education systems and ultimately support better outcomes for all children.

Given the important foundation that the earliest years of life establish for children’s long-term success, this report seeks to understand whether they are getting the support and quality experiences they need in early childhood programs and early elementary classrooms— namely, in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. Using nationally representative data to examine children’s experiences in the early years of their education, this report asks two key questions. First, to what extent are children accessing highquality early education by race and socioeconomic status? And second, once children reach elementary school, does exposure to quality classrooms with teaching practices that build on and strengthen that early foundation vary for children from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds?

The answers to these questions reveal the gaps in access to quality early childhood programs and highlight the need for improvements in teacher

preparation and ongoing training. The data also highlight the lack of common measures of quality across early childhood programs and early elementary experiences and the need for better alignment across the preschool-to-third-grade continuum.

For this reason, the report’s research is presented in two sections. The first section describes access to quality early education programs; the second examines if current teaching practices provide regular exposure to the skills identified within state standards at each grade level. The two sections of the report show that: - Access to high-quality early childhood education is limited and varies by program type and a child’s racial and socioeconomic background.

Specifically, among children with access to center-based prekinder garten programs, Hispanic children are more likely to access high quality than black children, and children from middle-income families have the least access to high quality.

- Measures of quality in early childhood and those in early elementary school are not similar or aligned.

- In early elementary grades— kindergarten through second grade—teachers appear to spend less time developing the higher-order thinking skills that are critical for school success, despite the high expectations outlined in state education standards.

As federal, state, and local policymakers debate next steps in aligning the nation’s early childhood education systems and policies, the following recommendations should be considered: - Expand access to high-quality early education by increasing investments at the federal, state, and local levels - Create aligned quality standards between early childhood programs and third grade and See Childhood pagina 5

Eco Latino Vol. 11

couriernews.org

S ERVING C OLUMBUS , F T. B ENNING , P HENIX C ITY & S URROUNDING A REAS

La Voz de la Minoría

Edición 23 Gratis

Jueves 18 de Febrero 2016

Conectándote con el Padre Pastora Yaritza Espinosa Iglesia Tabernáculo Familiar, Inc.

Examinado la calidad a través de la educación preescolar y el tercer grado

Pagina 5 Quién tiene los Siguientes (Who’s got Next)

Latinos en Movimiento (Latinos on the Move)

Pagina 6

Courier Eco Latino Group Sponsors Health Fair

Pagina 6

Pagina 2